now nancy pelosi is 72. so is the man here on the right. senate majority leader harry reid. but only pelosi was asked if she's too old to lead. >> i have made a decision to submit my name to my colleagues to once again serve as the house democratic leader. >> reporter: the mood in the room went from upbeat to tense when a reporter suggested the decision prevents new and younger leaders from rising up the ranks. >> next! next. oh, you've always asked that question except to mitch mcconnell. >> some of her female colleagues booed. >> it's quite offensive, but you don't realize that i guess. >> reporter: pelosi became the first female speaker of the house in 2007, then went on to talk about her work to elect new, and younger people to congress. >> why are we talking about whether she's old enough, or too old to do it? >> reporter: melissa murray says it represents the double standard part of public life. >> this is a long standing kind of narrative, white men get more distinguished, women just get old and decrepit. >> reporter: often talked about for their appearance, rather th